10 Best Beaches Near Hvar You Can Only Reach by Boat (2026 Guide)
Discover the most beautiful hidden coves and crystal-clear bays around Hvar for the 2026 season. From the iconic Red Rocks to the nudist beaches of Jerolim, here is your definitive guide to the best swimming spots accessible by boat.
Hvar is surrounded by some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. Whether you want a busy beach with a bar, a hidden cove you have all to yourself, or a sandy bay where children can paddle safely, there is a perfect spot for you.
Here are the best beaches in and around Hvar, from the easy-to-reach to the boat-access-only gems.
Hvar Town Beaches
Hula Hula Beach
The most famous beach in Hvar town — not so much for the swimming (it is rocky with a small pebble area) but for the vibe. Hula Hula is a beach bar with sunbeds, cocktails, and DJ sets in the afternoon. The sunset from here is stunning.
Best for: Drinks and atmosphere. Not the best for serious swimming.
Pokonji Dol
A short walk east of Hvar town (about 15 minutes), Pokonji Dol is a pebble beach with clear, shallow water. There is a small beach bar and the big restaurant Mustacho (which you can conveniently visit by boat) for drinks and snacks. It faces south, so it gets sun all day.
Best for: An easy beach day without needing a boat. Good for families.
Mekićevica
A couple of bays beyond Pokonji Dol, Mekićevica is quieter and more secluded. Rocky access to deep, clear water. Some flat rocks for sunbathing.
Best for: Snorkelling. The rocky seabed here is excellent for underwater exploration.
South Coast Beaches
Dubovica
Dubovica is the most iconic and photographed beach on Hvar — a deep horseshoe bay with turquoise water, a pebble beach, and an old stone farmhouse with terraced vineyards behind.
How to get there: You can drive to the ridge above Dubovica (the road is accessible by car), but the walk down to the beach is steep, rocky, and not easy — about 10 minutes on an uneven path. It is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues or very young children. Arriving by private boat rental is far easier and more enjoyable.
Best for: A stunning bay that is worth the effort. Arrive early or by boat to avoid the midday crowds.
Red Rocks
Just outside Hvar harbour, the Red Rocks are dramatic rust-coloured cliffs dropping into deep blue water. There is no beach in the traditional sense — you swim off the rocks or from your boat.
The snorkelling here is excellent, with colourful underwater rock formations and clear visibility.
Best for: Snorkelling, cliff swimming, and stunning photos. Visit in the morning when the light makes the red cliffs glow.
Pakleni Islands Beaches
The Pakleni Islands offer some of the best swimming in the entire Adriatic. These beaches are all accessible by boat — either your own, a water taxi from Hvar, or on a private tour.
Palmižana
Palmižana is the most popular beach in the Pakleni Islands. A sheltered bay with a mix of pebble and sand, warm shallow water, and several restaurants within walking distance (Bacchus, Toto's, Zori, Laganini Beach Bar).
Best for: A full beach day with restaurant access. Families. Combining a swim with a great meal.
Jerolim
Jerolim is the closest Pakleni island to Hvar — just a few minutes by water taxi or boat. Rocky beaches with easy access to deep, clear water. Pine trees for shade.
Jerolim is traditionally clothing-optional, particularly on the south-facing side. There are no facilities.
Best for: Quick swims, snorkelling, a natural beach experience close to Hvar.
Stipanska
Stipanska is a large, sheltered bay on Marinkovac and home to the famous Carpe Diem Beach — one of Hvar's most iconic beach clubs, with a pool, cocktail bar, massage pavilions, and a high-end restaurant.
In the morning the bay is calm and family-friendly — children can swim safely in the sheltered water while parents relax with a coffee. As the day goes on, the DJ starts, the cocktails flow, and Stipanska transforms into a lively party spot that is perfect for groups of friends. The bay is well-protected from wind, so it is comfortable in most conditions. A water taxi runs from Hvar harbour in summer.
Best for: Families in the morning, groups of friends during the day. Cocktails, music, pool, and a relaxed party atmosphere.
Vlaka
Vlaka is a small village on the western end of Sveti Klement — one of the few places on the islands where locals live year-round, tending their vineyards and olive groves. On the south side of the village you will find Soline, a beautiful beach with shallow water. The village is home to two great restaurants — Dionis and The Fisherman's House — both serving fresh, authentic Dalmatian food.
Best for: A peaceful swim at Soline beach, followed by an unforgettable lunch at Dionis or The Fisherman's House. One of the most authentic spots in the Pakleni Islands.
Perna
Perna is at the eastern end of Sveti Klement and has the most beautiful water in the entire Pakleni archipelago — an almost unreal shade of turquoise. A small sandy beach and absolute peace.
There are no facilities of any kind. No restaurant, no beach bar, no mooring buoys. Just nature.
How to get there: By boat only. About 20 minutes from Hvar harbour or less with a speedboat. Sheltered from the bura but exposed to southerly winds — check conditions before visiting.
Best for: The most beautiful swim in the Pakleni Islands. Photographers. Anyone who wants a bay entirely to themselves. There is room for only a few boats. The water is extremely clear, and it is excellent for snorkelling.
Best for: A quiet alternative to Palmižana. Snorkelling.
When to Visit
- June and September — Warm enough to swim comfortably (23–25°C water), far fewer people than peak season. The best months for beach-hopping.
- July and August — Hot, busy, and peak season. The popular beaches (Dubovica, Palmižana) get crowded by midday. Start early or head to less-known bays.
- May and October — Water temperature is 19–22°C. Some people swim happily; others find it bracing. You will have almost every beach to yourself.
Practical Tips
- Bring water and sun protection — Most beaches have no shade and no shops. Pack at least 2 litres of water per person, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a cover-up.
- Wear water shoes — Many Hvar beaches are rocky. Water shoes make getting in and out much more comfortable.
- Bring a snorkel — The visibility around Hvar is exceptional. A basic mask and snorkel will transform any beach visit.
- Arrive early — The best beaches are calmest and emptiest before 10:00. This is also when the water is at its most glass-like.
- Check the wind — Wind direction determines which beaches are sheltered. Bura (north-easterly) favours south coast beaches; jugo (south-easterly) favours the north coast and inner Pakleni bays.
- Explore by boat — The best beaches are boat-access only. Rent a boat or book a private tour to reach the hidden gems.
